Buck Showalter’s exit, or at least the way it was handled, was disputed by a wide range of Mets fans, as the veteran manager was tasked with overcoming a wave of key injuries after a 101-win season before new president of baseball operations David Stearns elected to hire his own skipper.
On Tuesday, Showalter told BT and Sal that there were no hard feelings.
“Life’s too short. I don’t want to be the angry old guy on the front porch screaming at the kids,” Showalter said. “It’s a good group. I’m pulling for them. I’m pulling for both teams in New York.
“I talked to David 2-3 days after his press conference…he wants his own people. I understand that. Billy Eppler wanted his people…we all think we can do the job and get the opportunity, but it doesn’t always work out the way you hope or think it should.”
After managing the Mets for two seasons, Showalter will now be watching from home, and while many anticipate New York kicking the can down the road to next season after executing several marginal moves this winter, Showalter believes the team is poised to surprise this summer.
“I think they’re underestimated,” Showalter said. “They have a lot of things going for them, and they’re getting Edwin Diaz back.
“I like what they’ve done with the coaching staff, and they got some good, young players coming…Baty, Vientos and Alvarez are another year older and wiser. I think they’re in a good place. I really do.”